Beef and Cheese Empanadas (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Flaky Pastry
01 -
1/2 cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
02 -
1/4 cup (60ml) chilled water
03 -
2 cups (250g) plain flour
04 -
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
05 -
1 large egg, whisked
→ Tasty Filling
06 -
1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
07 -
1/2 small onion, diced finely
08 -
2 minced garlic cloves
09 -
1/2 pound (225g) ground meat
10 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 -
1 tablespoon parsley, fresh and chopped
12 -
1/2 cup (50g) grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
13 -
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
14 -
1/4 teaspoon chili powder, optional
15 -
2 tablespoons thick tomato paste
16 -
1/4 cup (30g) chopped green olives, optional
17 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 -
1/2 teaspoon table salt
→ How to Assemble
19 -
1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water for brushing
# Instructions:
01 -
Mix the salt with the flour in a big bowl first. Cut the cold butter into the mix until crumbly using a pastry tool. Add the whisked egg and cold water to bring the dough together. If it feels dry, splash in a tad more water. Knead lightly, make a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill it for half an hour or more.
02 -
In a hot pan with olive oil, cook the onion and garlic until tender. Add the ground beef and cook till browned, then drain the grease. Sprinkle in the spices and mix in the tomato paste. Remove from the stovetop, stir in the cheese, parsley, and olives (optional), then allow it to cool down.
03 -
Take your dough and roll it out thinly to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface. Use a cutter to make circles about 4-5 inches wide. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling onto each circle, fold them into a half-moon shape, and seal with a fork. Give them a brush of egg wash.
04 -
Pop them onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the tops are crisp and golden. Cool a little before digging in.
# Notes:
01 -
You can freeze unbaked ones for up to three months.
02 -
Short on time? Store dough is a great option.
03 -
Frying works too! Heat oil to 350°F and fry 3-4 minutes per side.